Lagos, Nigeria: The Lagos State Trucks and Cargo Operation, aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and restoring order to the access roads leading to the ports and Apapa environs, faced a setback as truck drivers blocked the Mile 2-Oshodi expressway, causing widespread inconvenience to motorists and commuters.
Despite the inauguration of the operation by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the expressway experienced a brief respite before trucks and tankers took over the road between Second Rainbow inbound to Mile 2.
This unexpected blockade resulted in a severe traffic jam, leaving stranded commuters and frustrated motorists in its wake.
The gridlock on the Apapa-Oshodi expressway stretched from Cele Bus Stop, Second Rainbow, towards Mile 2, all the way to Tin-Can Ports.
The security agents and the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) team found themselves overwhelmed, witnessing the indiscriminate parking of trucks along the expressway without any effective intervention.
Mr. Ojo, a stranded motorist who expressed his frustration, criticized the lackluster approach of Lagos State government officials in addressing the persistent gridlock on the axis.
He shared his experience, saying, “I just got to the office after spending two hours from Fatgbems Filling Station to the office, which is supposed to take just 10 minutes. This is pathetic, and we are having a sitting governor.”
Efforts to obtain a statement from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, proved futile as he had not responded to text messages sent to his mobile phone at the time of filing this report.
The recurrence of traffic chaos on the Apapa-Oshodi expressway raises questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of the measures implemented by the Lagos State government to tackle the long-standing issue of truck congestion.
Despite the inauguration of the Trucks and Cargo Operation, the situation on the ground paints a picture of unaddressed challenges and a pressing need for more comprehensive solutions.
The impact of such disruptions goes beyond mere inconvenience, affecting businesses, productivity, and the overall economic well-being of the region.
It underscores the urgency for a coordinated and sustainable approach to tackle the root causes of the persistent gridlock, involving not only government agencies but also collaboration with stakeholders in the transportation and logistics sectors.
As commuters and motorists continue to endure the hardships caused by the recent blockade, there is a growing call for swift and decisive action from the Lagos State government to prevent a recurrence and ensure the success of initiatives aimed at restoring order to the crucial Apapa-Oshodi transport corridor.
The resilience of the city’s transportation infrastructure hinges on the ability to address these challenges comprehensively and implement lasting solutions that stand the test of time.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
